International scientists visit WRID, Grand Prairie

The visitors included researchers, fertilizer salespersons, soil chemists, soil scientists, educators and other disciplines interested in learning about U.S. agriculture technology that could be used to improve agricultural production in their respective countries.

The Grand Prairie recently hosted a group of international scientists from such countries and regions as Angola, Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Croatia, Ethiopia, Moroco, Nigeria, South Africa, Zambia and the United States.

The visitors included researchers, fertilizer salespersons, soil chemists, soil scientists, educators and other disciplines interested in learning about U.S. agriculture technology that could be used to improve agricultural production in their respective countries.

The White River Irrigation District (WRID), Kerksieck Brothers Farms of Ulm and the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Rice Research and Extension Center hosted the group locally but the visit was sponsored by International Fertilizer Development Center. The center is a group focused on increasing productivity across the agricultural value chain in developing countries.

Other than Arkansas, the group also spent time in Alabama, Tennessee and has future plans to visit Missouri and Washington, D.C.

The focus of the Arkansas portion of their tour was to learn more about how Arkansas farmers grow rice, soybeans and corn with special attention on rice production methods, fertility management and irrigation methods, according to Dennis Carman, chief engineer and director of WRID.

Dr. Merle Anders and Dr. Chris Henry of the Rice Research and Extension Center shared their research and experiences on fertility, water management, yields, different varieties and different production techniques for corn, rice and soybeans.

After short presentations on fertility methods and technology available to better manage water, the group had a tour of the research center and examination of rice, corn and soybean field plots.

The opportunity to actually see the results of different production choices was a valuable learning experience, especially the visual size differences in ears of corn based on how irrigation was managed, Carman explained.

John Kerksieck, of Kerksieck Brothers Farms, provided the venue for the visitors to see first-hand the tractors, tillage equipment, planters, combines, irrigation products and farming methods used by area farmers. After a short presentation about Kersieck's operation, the visitors had a direct question and answer session with many questions focusing on the areas farming methods directly from the farmers' perspective.

"I don't know if John gave them the right answers, but the group was certainly thrilled with the experience," Carman said.

The tour was completed with a visit to the Museum of the Arkansas Grand Prairie, which provided the opportunity to share the traditions, history and heritage of the Grand Prairie.

"From the questions asked, clear enthusiasm shown by members of the group and many positive comments received, I am confident our international visitors had a productive and valuable educational experience in Arkansas," Carman said. "We all know the Grand Prairie and are proud of our productive land, people and heritage. It's wonderful to be able to share that experience with the world."